BOURNEMOUTH'S first air festival took off in style on Thursday with stunning displays in cloudy skies between the two piers.

Civic chiefs hope that up to one million visitors will flock to the town for the four-day event and boost the local economy by an estimated £17.5 million.

Those wanting a guaranteed "front seat" on the cliff-top to view the breathtaking aerial action were prepared to pay a premium for a night's bed and breakfast accommodation in a sea view room.

The borough's head of tourism Mark Smith pledged that the air show was just the first of many. "It's taken two-and-a-half years of planning but it's absolutely amazing.

"Now we've got a world class event and the right formula, we will be making the air festival an annual attraction at the end of August. The date each year will be determined by the bank holiday.

"The setting, between the piers, is perfect. Times are tough but it's a free event for families, not just from outside the area but local residents. There's so much for them to do, even if the sun isn't shining."

Kevin Wood, director of the Cumberland Hotel on the East Cliff, said sea view rooms had been snapped up weeks ago with guests paying £260 a night for bed and breakfast accommodation and a prime vantage point.

Wartime memories flooded back when the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight opened the festival in nostalgic style, the distinctive drone of the engines of a Lancaster bomber, Spitfire and Hurricane captivating thousands of spectators who had lined the cliff-top and promenade below.

A Bournemouth tourism spokesperson said: "The first day went really well with a fantastic turn-out; now we're all looking forward to the next three days.

"Everything is going to plan and we are urging people to use the park and ride schemes at Bournemouth University's Talbot Campus and King's Park. A service will also be available at the Littledown centre on Saturday and Sunday."

East Overcliff Drive, Russell Cotes Road and Beacon Road will be closed from 9 am until 7 pm except for residents' access.

Parking is suspended on Grove Road, Manor Road, Meyrick Road (from Grove Road), West Hill Road (from West Cliff Road) and St Michael's Road (from Westcliff Road).

Friday's action will start again at 1.30 pm with a display by the RAF Falcons. An appearance by the Red Arrows will be the first of three during the festival. Full details of display times are contained in the official souvenir programme.